Maryland Sees Significant Drop in Student Chronic Absenteeism

Maryland State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright has announced a notable four-year trend of declining chronic absenteeism rates across the state, reaching the lowest point since the pandemic. This positive development signifies increased student presence in Maryland classrooms. The announcement was made at Sudbrook Magnet Middle School in Baltimore County, coinciding with the launch of a new state campaign, “Maryland Shows Up,” aimed at highlighting Attendance Awareness Month.

The chronic absenteeism rate for the 2025-26 school year stood at 22.8 percent, a substantial decrease from 30.9 percent recorded in the 2021-22 academic year. Students are classified as chronically absent if they miss 10 percent or more of the school year. The “Maryland Shows Up” initiative underscores the collective effort by schools, families, and students to identify and address the obstacles that hinder regular school attendance. Officials emphasized that consistent attendance is closely linked to academic success, with a direct correlation observed between lower absenteeism rates and improved performance on state assessments. The campaign aims to instill the importance of daily presence, on-time arrival, and readiness to learn as foundational elements for student success.

To further support the “Maryland Shows Up” campaign, the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) is introducing a new statewide recognition program to acknowledge schools that demonstrate success in reducing chronic absenteeism. This campaign will be visible through various media channels, including radio and social media advertisements, billboards, and public transportation ads. In partnership with the national organization Attendance Works, MSDE has also established a State Attendance Task Force. This task force is tasked with leading efforts to combat chronic absenteeism, providing school systems with resources to enhance their capabilities, analyzing school climate data, addressing students’ mental health needs, and identifying effective strategies employed by community schools for potential statewide adoption.

The initiative has garnered support from various educational leaders. The Superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, Dr. Bill Heiser, expressed the district’s commitment to fostering a culture of attendance excellence and ensuring equitable access to education. He highlighted the district’s dedication to implementing innovative strategies to help every student attend school regularly and reach their full potential. First Lady Dawn Moore also voiced her support, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to building a world-class education system that allows every child to thrive. She stated that the administration will continue to champion initiatives that enhance students’ learning experiences and recognize the contributions of educators. Governor Moore’s administration has reportedly made significant investments in education, including substantial funding in the FY27 budget to provide local school systems with the necessary resources to support students. These investments are credited with contributing to Maryland’s post-pandemic learning recovery, which ranks among the top five nationwide. In addition to academic support, the governor’s FY27 budget allocates over $480 million towards modernizing school facilities and expanding programs that create career pathways for educators.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the Maryland Department of Education.

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